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How to Wash Dog Toys
As responsible pet parents, we all want to ensure our furbabies have a clean and safe environment to play in. While keeping their bedding and bowls clean is essential, it is equally important to maintain the hygiene of their toys.
Dog toys, just like any other pet accessory, can accumulate dirt, saliva, and bacteria over time. Regular cleaning not only ensures your dog's health and well-being, but also extends the life of the toys saving you money in the long run.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through simple yet effective methods on how to wash dog toys. Whether you're looking to clean plush toys, rubber toys, chew toys, or interactive toys, Pet Parents® has got you covered!
Follow the following steps to wash dog toys. We recommend using our PetTergent® and FurBall® products for best results.
Gather the Toys
To clean your dog's toys, start by collecting them from various areas in your house. Then, bring them to a designated spot for cleaning. This helps you remember which toys to clean and prevents any from being left out or forgotten.
Find a suitable area for cleaning, such as a laundry room, bathroom, or even an outdoor space with easy access to water. To ensure a well-ventilated space, open windows or use fans for proper airflow. Clean the surface you will be working on to maintain a hygienic environment. Lay down a towel or an old cloth to catch any drips or messes during the cleaning process.
If you find any issues, remove those parts, or consider discarding the toy altogether if it's beyond repair.
"Before you start cleaning, it's crucial to inspect each toy carefully. Look for any loose attachments, small parts, or damaged areas which may pose a choking hazard or come off during the washing process."
Preparing the Cleaning Solution
When it comes to washing your furbaby's toys, using a pet laundry detergent, like PetTergent®, is extremely important. PetTergent® contains 90% bio-based ingredients and an enzymatic blend that target pet-specific stains, odors, and soils. This dog safe laundry detergent is free of any harsh chemicals often hidden within human detergents, such as ammonia, bleach, chlorine, formaldehyde, or dyes. It also contains vet-approved, Pet-Safe Scents™, because there are currently less than 10 scents safe for our furbabies. PetTergent® effectively cleans pet items while ensuring the safety of your furbaby.
To start the cleaning process, fill a basin or sink with warm water. Warm water helps to loosen dirt and grime, making the cleaning more effective. Make sure the basin or sink is large enough to accommodate the toys you plan to clean.
For regular-sized loads, use 1-2oz of PetTergent®, for larger loads, use at least 2oz of PetTergent®. Use more or less of the dog detergent depending on the level of soil and odor.
Once you have the appropriate amount of PetTergent®, add it to the warm water. Gently mix the liquids together to ensure the pet laundry detergent is evenly distributed and forms a soapy solution.
"When it comes to cleaning your dog's toys, using a specialized dog detergent like PetTergent® can be a game-changer. This dog-safe laundry detergent effectively cleans pet items while ensuring the safety of your furbaby."
Soak the Toys
The next step is to submerge and soak the toys in the soapy solution. This soaking period allows the dog detergent to work its magic, effectively loosening and removing dirt, grime, and any bacteria that has accumulated on the toys.
As the toys are immersed in the solution, the warm water helps to open the pores and fibers of plush toys, rubber materials, and other surfaces. This aids in breaking down and dislodging the accumulated dirt and debris, making it easier to clean and sanitize the toys completely.
For plush toys, the soaking process helps to release any trapped dirt or stains, ensuring a more thorough clean. PetTergent®'s pet-safe formula works gently yet effectively, targeting any bacteria or germs that might be hiding within the toy's fabric.
Immersing rubber and chew toys in the solution aids in loosening dried saliva, dirt, and other accumulated residues. This facilitates the scrubbing and cleaning of the toys' textured surfaces, ensuring all nooks and crannies are thoroughly sanitized.
Interactive toys, such as treat-dispensing balls and puzzles, may have hidden compartments or crevices that are difficult to access. The soaking process helps to ensure that the dog detergent reaches these tight spaces, removing any trapped food particles and bacteria.
Once the soaking period is complete, you can proceed with scrubbing the toys and giving them a final rinse. By allowing the toys to soak in the warm water and PetTergent® solution, you can be confident that you are providing your furry friend with the cleanest and safest toys, promoting their health and happiness in the process.
Scrub and Rinse
Take each toy out of the warm water and PetTergent® solution, and give them individual attention. Handling the toys individually allows you to focus on each one's unique features and ensure they get a thorough cleaning.
To begin cleaning, grab a soft-bristled brush or sponge designated for your pet's items. Ensure the bristles are gentle enough not to damage the toy's material, but effective in removing any remaining debris.
Gently scrub the surfaces of the toy, paying extra attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas where dirt could be trapped. Plush toys may have intricate stitching or decorative elements that need careful cleaning. For rubber or chew toys, focus on textured areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
For toys with multiple parts or layers, like interactive toys, make sure to clean each part thoroughly. Disassemble any removable components and clean them individually to ensure no residue or trapped food remains.
Rinse With Running Water
Hold the toy under running water, using your hands to massage and rinse away any soap. For plush toys, make sure to squeeze out excess water gently to speed up the drying process.
When cleaning many toys, you may opt to use a different basin or sink with clean water to rinse multiple toys at once.
After rinsing, position the clean toys on a fresh towel or a drying stand. Placing them outdoors under direct sunlight is another excellent way to speed up the drying process and eliminate any lingering odors.
By taking the time to individually scrub and rinse each toy, you can be confident that you've given them a thorough cleaning, removing all dirt and bacteria. Your furry friend will appreciate the fresh and hygienic toys, ensuring a safe and enjoyable playtime experience.
Use FurBall®
If you decide to place some plush toys in the laundry, simply add one or two FurBall® and let the magic happen! Our uniquely designed FurBall® is here to make fur removal a breeze.
The FurBall® effectively removes fur from dog toys with its thoughtful shape. Since it is not sticky, and does not have any sharp edges, fur does not stick to FurBall®. Instead, pet hair falls directly into the lint trap.
In the washing machine, FurBall® provides a gentle scrubbing effect, helping to dislodge pet hair and debris from your laundry. When used in the dryer, Furball®'s proprietary RSX® material works to balance static charges, making pet hair removal even more efficient.
Each pack of FurBall® contains two reusable units, ensuring you have enough power to tackle even the furriest loads of laundry. Say hello to a pet hair-free wardrobe and embrace the ease and convenience of FurBall® in your laundry routine!
Air Dry
After you've finished cleaning and rinsing the toys, it's essential to ensure they dry thoroughly before returning them to your furbaby. Proper drying not only eliminates any remaining moisture but also helps prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
To begin the drying process, place the cleaned toys on a clean and dry towel. The towel will absorb excess water from the toys and prevent any watermarks on surfaces. If you're cleaning multiple toys, arrange them on the towel in a single layer, ensuring they have enough space between each other for proper airflow. Alternatively, you can use a drying rack specifically designated for pet items. This allows air to circulate around the toys, promoting faster and more efficient drying. To dry toys quickly without causing damage, place them in a well-ventilated room or near an open window. Avoid exposure to hot air, as it can be damaging to the toys.
If you opt to use a dryer or direct sunlight to dry your dog's toys, it's best to do so with low heat. Excessive heat can damage certain materials. High temperatures may cause melting, warping, or fading of colors, compromising the toy's quality and safety.
Keep in mind that some toys, especially plush ones, may take longer to dry completely due to their dense fabric. Be patient and allow enough time for thorough drying, as damp toys can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, posing health risks to your pet.
If you notice any lingering odors on the toys after drying, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the toys and let it sit for a short time before shaking off the excess.
Reintroduce to Your Dog
Once the toys are completely dry, it's time to bring joy back into your dog's playtime! Your furbaby will appreciate the fresh and clean toys, and you can have peace of mind knowing that they are free from any harmful bacteria.
As you reintroduce the toys to your pup, you may notice a renewed sense of excitement and curiosity. Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they'll quickly pick up on the fresh scent of clean toys. This sensory experience can make playtime even more enjoyable for your furbaby.
Clean toys not only look and smell better, but they also provide a safer play environment for your dog. By eliminating dirt and harmful bacteria, you reduce the risk of potential health issues that can arise from unclean toys. Your pet's well-being is of utmost importance, and keeping their toys clean is a vital aspect of responsible pet care. By maintaining clean toys, you contribute to a happier and healthier living space for both your pet and your family.
Ways on how to wash dog toys is a simple yet essential aspect of responsible pet care. Regular cleaning, with a dog safe laundry detergent, not only keeps the toys looking fresh and smelling good, but it also ensures a safe and hygienic play environment for your furbaby.
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Micka Virtudazo is a full-time content creator at Pet Parents® who lives with thirteen adorable American Bullies and a Shih Tzu-Maltese mix named Gretel. She especially enjoys writing how-to articles as she feels through this she can connect to other pet parents on a more personal level.
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